Swiss newspapers have applauded Team New Zealand's comeback win off Valencia yesterday.

"The day of June 24 has now entered history," Le Temps said. "Whatever the outcome of the 32nd America's Cup, this first weekend has engraved a new face to an event which, for some years, has suffered from a lack of suspense. That is no longer the case."

Alinghi and Team NZ had produced a dream spectacle over the opening two days, with two competitive and captivating contests.

24 Heures said NZL 92's 28-second victory had saved the series from boredom, while also making Alinghi less sure of itself.

After the Swiss won in the opening race, "the fear of witnessing a new crushing domination by the defenders hung over Port America's Cup", it said. "After yesterday, we know the match isn't going to end with the same result (5-0) as the three previous editions."

The paper said the tiniest error in race two had proved expensive, something the Swiss defenders had learnt to their regret.

Le Matin also highlighted the incident seen as the turning point in the encounter, saying a too-early lee-bow tack by SUI 100 up the second beat had cost the Swiss a comfortable lead and with it victory.

It referred to a comment by syndicate head Ernesto Bertarelli on the eve of the match: "There is not enough difference between the boats to make up for a mistake."